PeteL

Last week, while under my car, I was checking the front steering/suspension. One observation was that the passenger side tie rod had some play, it rattled as I pulled on it. The Driver side was solid.
Two questions;
1. Does this indicate a worn tie rod or a problem with the rack?
2. Would that contribute to vibration at 60-80 mph?
Thanks

Jakerx

i would say that it could contribute to vibration at that speed most definitely. and i'm pretty sure that it's just a worn tie rod. but it's always a good idea to check the rack while you're at it. the reason a tie rod could be worn out might be because of a problem with the rack.

dmfclf82

Not to steal your post but I just purchased an 89 turbo and in the PPI they indicated that one of the tie rods was loose. Should you replace both sides or can you get away with doing one?

Jakerx

it's a matter of cost. they're separate assemblies so yes you can get away with doing one. but if one's about to go...it's safe to say the other isn't too far behind.

theedge

Replace both. Preventative maintenance is the key.

dmfclf82

Thanks I'll do both

theedge

You can leave the other IF YOU WANT, but IMHO replace both. I did both of mine.

PeteL

Thanks. I will probably get a new tie rod for the passenger side.

Serge944

My rods are bad and waiting replacement. Yes, they do give a lot of vibration (kind of like unbalanced tires).

Kevin Baker

Pete, inner or outer? There is the possibility that it could be either one. If you felt "play", was the movement noticable where the outer tie rod attaches to the steering knuckle? If it is the inner, you would have to feel the movement from inside the bellows on the end of the rack. You do not have to replace them in pairs, they should be replaced if worn. Also a vibration at speed could be wheel bearings. If you shake the wheel from the 1:00 and 7:00 kinda up and down, it is either ball joints, or wheel bearings. Quick shake from 3:00 and 9:00 side to side will show tie rods/rack.

PeteL

Kevin
Thought I already responded, but it is not here.
I think it is inner, since I can feel the motion when I grab the tie rod closer to the rack than the wheel. The other side (driver's) is solid. But there is definite movement on the passenger side.
I have replaced the bearings and the A-Arm on the passenger side and I still have vibration at 60-80 mph. That is what is driving my thinking towards the tie rod.

Granite 944

If you have the front suspension on the ground or on a elevated ramp/ect. (loaded), and have someone turning the steering wheel from one side to the other, you can grab ahold of the inner tierod connection area inside the boot and generally feel a knock, or clicking at that area when wheel is run one side to the other quickly. Thats how I was shown my inner tie rods were bad at my alignment shop (tierods had a good little knock to them). The outer ball/tie rod ends can be replaced easier/cheaper if the inners check out ok.

PeteL

I know we had this discussion in another thread, but what is the opinion on changing Tie Rods with the Rack installed?

Granite 944

When I finally get around to replacing the entire tie rod end assys on both sides of my '83 (haven't done it yet), I will remove the rack to do it. Mainly so I can strip it down completely, clean, regrease, and set the backlash on it. But of course, mine is the manual rack. I don't think I'd remove it just for the tie rod end replacement if it were a power rack, but, I've never had to do one yet either.

mick944

I had recently had the similar simptoms(did the wheel balance,new struts,tie rod ends,ect) only to have the vibration reappear after short time.Latest fix was strut bearings(wish they would have discovered that during the strut install but that has appeared to solve it and actually has made quite a difference in the handling).Might have that checked out.